No menu items!

COSTA RICA'S LEADING ENGLISH LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER

HomeTopicsCrimeCosta Rica Proposes New Law to Regulate Judicial Misconduct

Costa Rica Proposes New Law to Regulate Judicial Misconduct

Costa Rica has introduced a new bill, the “Law of the Disciplinary Regime of the Judiciary,” developed in collaboration with the United States. This proposed law would regulate the misconduct of judicial officials, including the creation of a dedicated court to sanction disciplinary violations by these officials.

The draft was developed with the assistance of the National Center for State Courts, and the U.S. Embassy’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs also contributed to the initiative.

“This initiative is critical in combating corruption and strengthening public confidence in Costa Rica’s justice system,” said U.S. Ambassador Cynthia Telles.

The Ambassador further explained that this new code aims to create a more effective justice system, anchored in the consolidation of a robust disciplinary regime within the judiciary. It also ensures that mechanisms for applying justice will meet the highest standards of transparency and international best practices, while respecting the rights of judicial officials.

Porfirio Sanchez, one of the magistrates involved in the proposal, noted that the draft introduces reforms in several key areas, including the collection of evidence and procedures for administrative investigations.

The proposed regulation defines two categories of offenses: minor and serious. It also consolidates 38 separate conduct violations currently dispersed across various regulations into a single law.

“Serious misconduct would be punishable by up to six months of suspension or dismissal without employer liability, while minor offenses could result in suspensions of up to three months,” Sanchez explained.

Magistrate Jorge Leiva added that the draft law explicitly addresses key judicial principles, including judicial independence, the principle of legality, the presumption of innocence, impartiality, and the right to a free and fair trial in disciplinary matters.

The bill, which must be approved by the Legislative Assembly, would be the first law of its kind in the region.

Trending Now

Family Beach Day in Costa Rica Exploring Tidepools and Wildlife

My two sons couldn’t be more different. They look completely different. They act completely differently. They eat different foods. They have different interests. This...

Heavy Rains in Costa Rica Trigger Landslides and Floods

Costa Rica faces tough conditions lately from ongoing heavy rains that have sparked deadly landslides and major flooding over the last few days. In...

Costa Rica’s FIFCO Sells Operations to Heineken After Vote

Shareholders of Costa Rica's Florida Ice and Farm Company, known as FIFCO, gave the green light on to sell most of their food, beverage,...

Costa Rica Weather Alert: Heavy Rain, Flooding, and Landslides

The National Meteorological Institute (IMN) issued a warning on Thursday about persistent heavy rains and thunderstorms affecting much of Costa Rica.These conditions are the...

Guatemala Joins Costa Rica and Ecuador in Building Anti-Gang Prisons

The Guatemalan government has put forward a new bill aimed at hitting gangs harder, with steeper sentences and a dedicated high-security prison, as the...

Costa Rica Women’s National Team Coach Steps Down Amid World Cup Push

The Costa Rican Soccer Federation dropped a major update this week: Spanish coach Beni Rubido is stepping down from his role with the women's...
spot_img
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Travel Insurance
Costa Rica Rocking Chait
Costa Rica Travel

Latest News from Costa Rica